Portable stack lifter



Jan. 28, 1930. R. T. ROMINE 1,745,046

PORTABLE STACK LIFTER Filed Sept. 3, 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 7 6 752 yen For:

WTRM

y iw w Jan. 28,1930. R. T. ROMINE PORTABLE STACK LIFTER Filed Sept. 3, 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 In verz 2o11 Cqaoeawl 'r V filler/revs.

BY WM,G-M,

Jan. 28,

Filed Sept. 3. 1926 R. T. ROMINE PORTABLE STACK LIFTER 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 lvlllll [IIIII E van Zor.

37 M, QZ Ws-S Q.

Jan. 28, 1930.

R. T. ROMlNE PORTABLE STACK LIFTER Filed Sept. 3, 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 WT T aid 1% y MQL W 7 Jan. 28, 1930 UNITED STATES P'ATENT- OFFICE ,BOIBEBT T. 'ROHINE, OF MOUNT CLEMENS, MICHIGAN I PORTABLE STACK LIFTER Application filed September 8, 1926. Serial No. 133,874.

This invention relates to a portable crane or stack lifter, an object of the invention being to provide an improved stack lifter capable of being propelled through relatively low 6 doorways or where restricted overhead room is provided. The lifter is particularly 'adaptto straddle 'or overlie the load on the floor orground, thereby enabling it to operate within restricted spaces and to lift or support extremely heavy loads, such as loads of five, ten or fifteen tons in wei ht.

A further object 'of t is inventionis to provide a portable stack lifter stron 29 compact in construction, capable of hoisting,

supporting or lowering heavy loads between its su ports, and having means for ermitting t e crane or lifter to be lifted an transported as by means of anelectric lift truck. A further object is-to provide a portable stack lifter having overhead hoisting mechanism and supporting l'egsspaced to straddle a lift truck pllatform, wherein-the crane is provided wit casters or antifriction rollers 80 spring mounted to sup ort the weight of the lifter and enable it to e wheeled about, but yieldable under load to enable the weight of the load to be sustained bythe legs.

Another object is to provide a portable stack lifter or crane having a compact frame work rovided with side su ports adapted to strad Ie the load or the li t platformof an electric truck, wherein improved electrically operating hoisting mechanism is carried by the framework, adapted to operate efliciently upon loads widely varying in weight, and capable of being operated from the electric truck.

Other objects of this invention will appear in the following description and appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying .drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference charac ters designate corresponding parts. in the several views.

and

Fig. 1 is a side elevation showing a stack lifter or crane embodying my invention. 7 Fig. 2 is a fragmentary section taken substantlallyon lines 2, 2, Flg. 4.

Fig. 3 is a front end elevation of the construction shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 41 is a top plan view with the cover plate removed.

F ig, 5 is a side view showing the manner in which the stack lifter may be transported on an electric lift truck.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary front end elevation,

partly in section, showing particularly the action of the lift-ingdogs when the stack lifter is lifted by the electric truck.

Fig. 6A is a perspective detail view of one of the lifting dogs.

Fig. 7 is a erspective .view showing the stack lifter an electric truck within a frei htf car with a load lifted by" the stack li of mechanism;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary side view illustrating a modified caster construction for the stack lifter.

Before ex laining in detail the-present invention, an, the method or mode of operation embodied therein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practised or carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, and it is not intended to limit the invention beyond the terms of the several claims hereto appended or the requirements of the prior art.

The stack lifter or crane in its present preferred form comprises a strong compactly uilt frame work substantially of inverted U-shaped construction. The framework includes four spaced side supports or legs, such as a pair of front legs A and a similar pair of rear le B. Each'leg or upright support is prefera ly identical in construction, comprising a pair of front and rear parallel structural steel angle bars 20 and 21 respectively, positioned with the outer flanges in the same vertical plane, thereby forming between the parallel inwardly extending flanges 20 and 21 res ectively (see Fig. 2) a vertical channel yd; guideway for the sheave block later de cribed. Each pair of vertical angle members 20 and 21 of each leg are united at the lower ends thereof by means of a foot plate 22, of channel construction,

comprisin an outer relatively high flange 22 rivete to the outer flanges of both leg members, a flat rectangular bearing surface 22", and an inner upwardly extendingflange 22. Theplate 22, therefore, provides a bear- 5 ing surface 22 of considerable area, so that the combined 'area of the four plates 22 attached to the lower ends of the four legs of the stack lifter will distribute the load over a considerable area.

Referring especially to Fig. 4, the top frame work of the stack lifter comprises a pair of end transverse angle bars 23 and a pair of longitudinal side angles 24. The bars 23 and 24 at their adjacent ends are con- 25 nected together by means of gusset plates 25 riveted thereto. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2,

the frame work comprises an intermediate floor sup orting frame located below the top frame w ich comprises a front transverse channel bar 26 riveted to the front leg members 20, a transverse channel bar 27 riveted to the front le members 21, a channel bar 28 riveted to the rear leg members 21 and a channel29 riveted to the rear leg members connected at each end by means of longitudinal channel bars 30. Each outer angle iron 'le member20 at the front and rear ends 0 the frame work are united to the upperangle 23 and the intermediate parallel channel 26 by means of a wide steel gusset plate 31, the parts being riveted together. Four of'these gusset plates 31 are provided, two at each end of the frame work as shown in the drawings. At the opposite sides of the frame work each adjacent pair or set of leg members 20 and 21 are rigidly united to the top longitudinal angle 24 and the intermediate parallel channel 30 by means of a wide steel plate 32, two being provided at each side of the stack lifter, and the parts are securely riveted to ether. It will be noted that the plates 32 ave a depth to extend a substantial distance below the intermediate frame members 2630 thereby resisting any tendency of the legs to spread or buckle.

Mounted on the intermediate frame members 2630 and riveted thereto is a rectangular steel plate 33 having substantially the area of the frame work and forming a floor or platform upon which is mounted the.

operatin mechanism.

Each ront and rear set of legs 20 and 21 .5 is joined and braced together adjacent the lower ends thereof by means of side bars 34, each in the form of an angle member with one of the flanges thereof positioned inwardly for the purpose of housing or supporting lifting dogs as later described. From a point 34 the bottom angular flange 34 of each bar is cut away to the outer end of the bar to permit the outer side flange 34 to engage the outersides of the angle bars 20 and 21 of each leg and these parts are riveted together. The frame work is also provided with a top or cover plate 36, see Figs. 2 and 3, which is riveted to the top horizontal flange of the upper frame bars 23 and 24, forming an additional brace for the legs as well as a cover or roof for the housing.

Mounted within the superstructure of the stack lifter and supported on the floor or platform 33 is a hoisting mechanism which is operated from a suitable electric motor 40, see especially Fig. 4. The motor is positioned so that the drive shaft 41 thereof will project transversely to the'frame work, and this shaft is journalled in a casing or housing 42 having gear reduction mechanism. On the end of the motor shaft 41 is secured abevel pin-,

ion 43 meshing with a relatively large bevel gear 44 which is secured to the upper end of an inclined short shaft 45. This shaft is j ournalled in suitable brackets carried by the housing 42 and is provided with a worm 46 (see Figs. 2 and 4). The worm 46 drives a worm wheel 47 secured to one end of a cross shaft 48' parallel to the motor shaft 41 and jour- 20, The transverse channels 27 and 28 arenalled in the casing 42. The Shaft 48 carries a pair of small spaced sprockets 49 and 50 and it will be noted that the shaft is located centrally of the frame work between the front and rear ends thereof. At the front end of the housing is located a cross shaft 51 which is journalled adjacent o posite ends thereof in brackets 52 mounte on the platform 33 and supported above the cross channels 26 and 27 of the intermediate frame work. At the rear end of the frame work is located a similar cross shaft 53 which is journalled at opposite ends in corres onding brackets 54. Mounted on the front s aft 51 intermediate the brackets 52 is a large sprocket wheel 55 which is driven from the sprocket 49 on shaft 48 by means of a sprocket chain 56. Mounted on the rear shaft 53 is a corresponding sprocket wheel 57 which is driven from the small s rocket 50 on the shaft 48 by means of a sproc et chain 58.

Each shaft 51 and 53 carries at each end thereof a hoisting drum 59 which is mounted against the outer face of one of the brackets 52 or 54. A steel hoisting cable 60 is adapted to be wound and unwound on each of the hoisting drums 59, each cable having one end anchored to its drum and the drum be ing preferably spirally grooved on its periphery for guiding and winding the cable thereon. The opposite end of each cable 60 is anchored to a block 61 secured to the frame. Each cable 60 carries within its length a sheave block comprising a sheave-or pulley wheel 62 journalled in a block 63 from which is suspended a swinging hook 64.

The motor is controlled by means of a suitable controller 65, comprising any standard electric controller mechanism located in a controller box or casing, and connected to thetoward the front of the stack lifter and hav- 2o ing the outer end thereof extending through one of the gusset plates 31 and suitably journalled therein. A two-armed rock lever 68 is secured to the outerend of the controller shaft 67 and to the opposite ends of this lever are attached operating ropes 69 and 70. By pulling downwardly on either of these ropes the controller shaft 67 may be rocked through the medium of the operating lever 68. A trip lever 71 is provided for enabling the controller to be operated when the load is elevated to a predetermined height and to prevent the load from being elevated too high so as to strike the upper housing of the stack lifter. This trip lever 71 is pivoted at 72 to a suitable bracket secured to one of the side plates 32 immediately beneath the frame member 30 and projects laterally into the space beneath the upper housing. A downwardly inclined arm 73 is secured at one end to the controller shaft 67 and is connected to the outer end of the trip lever 71 by means of apivoted link 74. A controller spring, not shown, is-secured to the'controller shaft 67 and to the casing of the controller 65 within the latter and acts to bring the controller shaft normally into neutral position, as shown in Fig. 3. From the foregoing, it will be seen that upon pulling down on the operating rope 70 the controller shaft will be rocked so as to cause the motor through the mechanism described to operate the hoisting drums 59 and hoist the sheave blocks 63 thereby elevating the load. Upon releasing the operating rope 70, the controller shaft 67 will be automaticallybrought to neutral position, as shown in Fig. 3, thereby stopping the motor and causing the load to be supported in the position to which it has been hoisted such as shown in Fig. 7. Upon pulling down on the operating rope 69 the motor/10 will be reversed thereby operating thehoisting drums 59 so as to lower the sheave blocks and hence lower the load. During the hoisting operation after the load is lifted high enough it will engage the trip lever 71 thereby rocking the controller shaft until it is brought into neutral position and stoppingthe motor.

Referring particularly to Fig. 1, the stack lifter orcrane is provided with four casters or antifriction rolls 76 which are spring mounted or controlled so that under the normal weight of the lifter or crane the latter will be supported independently upon the casters 7 6, thereby permitting the crane to be rolled or transported on wheels. The construction, however, is such that when a load is placed upon the hoisting mechanism, the tension of the spring's whicli'- act against the caster wheels will be overcome and the legs A and B will then rest upon the floor, thereby sustaining the weight of the load. Inethe present instance, the device is provided. with a pair of front caster wheels 76 supported in front of the legs A, andrear cashgs 76 mo unted in front of'the legs B. Each easter 76 is journalled within a fork 77 which ism elled to a collar7 8 having a cylindrical por tion which slides freely in a cylindrical hole in the projecting horizontal arm of a bracket 83, this bracket being'secured to the front face of the leg member 20. The collar 78 carries a disk 79 at the upper face of the bracket 83 and has a vertically extending stem 80 projecting freely through a hole in the projecting arms of an upper bracket 82 also secured to the leg 20. The upper end of the stem or rod 80 is threaded to receive an adjustlng nut 81. A compression spring 84 sur rounds the stem 80 and is interposed between the collar 79 and the lower face of the bracket 82, and the tension of this spring may be adjusted by means of the adjusting nut 81.

Locking means is provided for locking the caster 76 in the plane of the legs A so as to prevent it turning at any desired time. The swivelled supporting member 77 is provided with a projecting car 86 having a hole therethrough to receive the lower end of a locking pin 85. This locking pin is adapted to slide freely through alined holes in the outer ends of the brackets 82 and 83 and at its'upper end is bent to provide a handle 87 by means of which the locking pin may be withdrawn vertically from looking engagement with the car 86 and hooked over a bracket 88 to rest in a notch 89 on the upper edge of this bracket. InFig. 3 the locking vpin 87 is shown in position whereby the caster is unlocked and free to turn on its swivel. Each rear caster 7 6 is constructed in substantially the same mannet as the front caster with the exception that the stem 80 of the caster projects through a hole in the bottom web 34 of the angle bar 34, and the adjusting nut 81 on the end of this stem engages the upper face of the web 34. The locking pin 85 in this instance projects through a hole in the web 34 of the angle bar and in its locked position the handle 87 is supported on the Web 34 To unlock the rear caster the pin 85 is wlthdrawn from rod 93.

the ear 86 and the handle 87 hooked over the way of the car into the car. It will be obupper edge of the angle 34, as shown in Fig. 5. served that the dogs are arranged so as to pro- The stack lifter is provided with means vide a stable support for the crane upon a lift for permitting the elevating platform of a truck platform as the crane is transported. lift truck to be introduced between the sup- That is to say, they are arranged in more than porting legs as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, and one transverse plane so as to provide at one when elevated to lift the stack lifter on to side at least two points of sup rt and at the the truck platform so as to permit it to be other side at least one point 0 support; it is transported by means of the truck from place desirable, of course, that the support be, at to place. This means in the present instance least, at three points so that the crane is 1pro comprises four movable members 90 herein erly balanced in transit. When the stac li termed lifting dogs and .these dogs are loer is in use, the lifting dogs 90 may he slid upcated between the legs at each side of the wardly on the rods 93 and then swung inframe work. Secured to the face of each wardly so as to be supported on the side anflange 21 of each angle iron leg 21 are a pair gle bars 34 as shown in Fig. 7. These dogs .of vertically spaced angle brackets 91 and 92 have less width than the flange 34. So that having projecting flanges between which is they may be seated to permit the lower ends to mounted a fixed rod 93. Each lifting dog be housed within the channel ways, as shown 90 in its present form comprises a metal memin dott d lines in Fig. 8. her cast to provide a lower flat engaging por- In Fig. 8 I have illustrated a somewhat tion 90 which normally projects inwardly at modified caster construction. In this instance an angle or incline to the horizon al- Th each of the front casters 96 is journalled in a upwardly extending sides of the lifting dog forked support 97 swivelled to a cylindrical are integrally united by means of a vertical collar 98, and the latter is adapted to slide web 90' and from this point are bent at their freely through a cylindrical hole in the proends to provide parallel flat extensions 90 jecting horizontal arm of an angle bracket 99. and 90 having slots 90 which are normally This bracket is detachably bolted at 99 to the vertically alined and through which extends front face of the angle iron leg 20. The colthe supporting rod 93. When the lifting dog lar 98 carries a vertical stem or rod 100 ex- 90 is in its normal position shown in full lines t nding fr ly through v rtically alined holes in Fig. 6, it may be slid vertically on the rod in the arm of the lower bracket 99 and in the 93. The latter, however, is provided with r je tin ar 101' f an. breeket 101, vertically spaced notches 94 and adapted th l tt b i u d t til angl iron 1 to cooperate with the extension 90 of the dog 80, Th upper nd of the stem is threaded when it is tilted upwardly as shown indotte to receive an adjusting nut 102. S dlines in Fig. 6 so as to lock the dog in one o i th t 100 i e m ressione ri g 103 the notches against vertical movement on the which is interposed between a flange of the collar 98 and the upper bracket arm 101. It will be seen that the lifting dogs 90 are Th tension of this spring may be varied by thus swivelled on the rods 93 and they can be an f th adju ting 1; 102, Each rear positioned so as to project inwardly so as to caster 104 is journalled in a slotted rock lever ov'e'rlie the truck platform L or the dogs may 105 which is pivoted at its rear end at 106 to a beraised vertically on the rods 93highenougl1 bracket secured to the front face of the leg so that when swung laterally maybe seated on member 21, The outer end f the rock lever the flanges 34 of the bars 34:. When the llfll- 105 is provided with a eat 105 for a compres ing dog 90 is in the position shown in full sion spring 109 which is interposed between lin s in Fig. 6 the truck may be introduced the end of the lever and the angle member 34. between the supporting legs of the stack lift r The outer end of the lever carries a verticall and beneath the ends 90 of the dogs. Upon extending stem 107 which extends through elevating the truck platform the initial upthe spring and through a hole in the web 34 ward movement of the platform will result in of the side bar 34. The upper end of the stem swingin or tilting the dogs inwardly on acor rod 107 is threaded to receive an adjusting count 0 the inclined engaging surfaces 90" 'nut 108 by means of which the tension of the thereof. The inner edge of the upper slot 90 spring 109 may be varied. will then be moved into the notch 94 so as to When the stack lifter is used for the purcatch against the upper shoulder of the notch. pose of handling material in a freight car Thereupon as the elevation of the truck platsuch as sheet metal. strip or bar steel in bunform continues, the stack lifter will be eledles weighing as much as ten or fifteen tons,

vated and supported on the truck platform the stack lifter may be wheeled on its casters free of the casters 76. The stack lifter may, onto the floor of the freight car or may be cartherefore, be lifted bodily by the truck plat ried bodily into the freight car on the lift form in the manner shown in Fig. 5, and may latform L of the electric truck T. In Fig. be transported from place to place, and where the stack lifter is shown within the freight used for unloading cars may be propelled on car F. To elevate or lift a load, such as a the truck platform directly through the doorstack of sheet'steel S onto the truck platform sets of cables encircling the bundle. These cables in this instance are provided Within their length with large attaching eyes E, two being provided at each side of the bundle. The hoisting hooks 64 are lowered by the operating mechanism and hooked into the eye links E. Thereupon the hoisting mechanism I is operated so as to elevate the stack bodily above the car floor as shown in Fig. 7. The truck platform L is then introduced between the spaced legs of the crane and projected beneath the elevated bundle S. Thereupon the hoisting mechanism of the crane is operated so as to lower the bundle onto the truck platform. The hoisting hooks 64 are disconnected from the eye links E and the truck then backed out from beneath the stack lifter with the load supported on the truck platform, and

the truck may then be propelled directly out of thecar.

It will be particularly noted that all of the caster wheels 76, or 96 and 104, are mounted in such manner as to be located within the area or width of each supporting leg A and B. The casters, therefore, will not project at either side beyond the legs thereby permitting the legs of the stack lifter to be propelled through aisles at opposite sides of the loads and in which the aisles are required to have no more width or clearance than the width of the supporting legs for the stack lifter. In the construction shown in Fig. 1, the

casters may be locked by means of the locking pins-85 so that they will not swivel and project beyond the area of the legs, thus preventing the casters from turning and becoming jammed in narrow aisle spaces. In the construction shown in Fig. 8, each rear caster although spring supported is not swivelled while the front casters 96 are swivelled and in this instance since the front casters will bein front of the stack it is not necessary for some uses of the stack lifter to lock them against turning. I

It will also be noted that the vertical channel ways between the flanges 20 and 21 of the leg members 20 and 21 enable the sheave blocks to bepartially or wholly housed within these channel ways. This construction permits a load or stack having substantially as great width as the distance between the legs at opposite sides of the. stacker to be lifted or lowered since the sheave blocks in this instance will travel in the channel ways.

The electric lift truck T is preferably constructed in accordance with my invention shown and described and in my co-pending application, Serial No. 118,584, filed June 25, 1926.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the lifting dogs 90 may be freely swung from 1' positions between the side legs in the longitudinal plane thereof into position to overlie the truck platform or a portable platform carried on the truck platform. These dogs are so mounted and the construction is such that they will be locked against vertical movement upon engagement thereof by the truck platform when the latter is elevated to tilt the dogs vertically against either the lower set of notches 94 or the upper set of notches 95.

It will also be noted that the lifting dogs 90, which are preferably of cast ateel, are enabled by virtue of the web 90 to sustain effectually the upward impact or thrust of the lift truck platform L when picking up the stack lifter. The latter may also be picked up and carried by the truck together with a portable platform on which a load or stack is supported. In this case, the floor of the portable platform, which has a thickness-corresponding approximately to the distance between the notches 94 and 95, will when supported on the truck platform engage beneath the ends 90 of the dogs 90. The dogs in this instance will lock in the upper notches 95 when the truck platform L is raised, and it will be seen that the truck can in one operation pick up a portable platform with its load and also the portable stack lifter and transport them all at one time, such as through the car doorway out of the car. Such a portable platform may be constructed'in accordance with my Patent No. 1,615,812.

The arched or U-shape construction of the frame with its spaced supports formed from structural members, such as angle bars, provides a relatively low, compact crane having a crane or hoisting bay of maximum dimensions within the arched frame and in which the supporting legs are capable of being moved into narrow aisle spaces to straddle the load or a load carrying platform.

The hoisting mechanism is constructed to provide a balanced drive, in which the torque passage of the hoisting cables 60 and the trip lever connecting members 73 and 7 4:.

When a relatively narrow bundle is to be hoisted the sheave blocks may swing inwardly to straddle opposite sides of the bundle and be connected thereto, as shown in Fig. 7. When a wide bundle, having substantially as great width as the distance between the opposite side legs, is to be lifted, the sheave blocks and hoisting cables may travel in the vertical guideway formed between theflanges 20 and 21 and within the width of the angle iron legs, thereby clearing opposite sides of the load. In this instance the sheave blocks 64 may be attached to outer sides of the bundle by inserting the hand through the space A (Fig. 1) between the angle members 20 and 21 of each leg. The present portable crane has therefore the important advantage of enabling a load as wide as the crane or hoisting bay to be lifted, straddled, and lowered; while at the same time permitting the hoisting devices, such as the sheave blocks, to straddle and-be connected to the opposite outer sides of the load.

\Vhat I claim is:

1. In a portable crane or stack lifter, the combination of an arched frame having spaced side supports, mechanism carried by the frame for lifting or lowering a load between the supports, and shiftable means carried by the frame and adapted to be automatically locked by the upward thrust of a truck platform for enabling the latter to lift said crane.

2. In a portable crane or stack lifter, the combination of an overhead frame having side supports spacedto permit a lift truck platform to be introduced therebetween, mechanism carried by the frame for lifting or lowering a load between the supports, and devices carried by the frame and adapted to overlie the truck platform and to be automatically locked by the upward thrust of said truck platform for enabling the latter to lift said frame.

3. A portable crane or stack lifter, the combination of an overhead frame having side supports spaced to permit the introduction of a lift truck platform therebetween, mechanism carried by the frame for lifting or lowering a load between the supports, swinging lifting dogs carried by said supports and adapted in operative position to overlie the truck platform, and means for supporting said dogs to permit them to be moved from said operative position into an inoperative position.

4. In a portable crane or stack lifter, the combination of an overhead frame having depending spaced supports, mechanism carried by the frame for lifting or supporting a load between the supports, swinging devices carried by said supports and adapted to cooperate with a lift truck when introduced between said supports for enabling the truck to lift and carry the crane, and means for supporting said devices for vertical movement and horizontal swinging movement.

, 5. In a portable crane, the combination of a frame having supports spaced to' permit a lift truck platform to be introduced therebetween, hoisting mechanism carried by said frame, vertically tiltable devices carried by the frame and adapted to project over the elevating platform of a lift truck, and means for locking said devices when tilted by the lifting engagement therewith of the truck platform.

6. In a portable crane or stack lifter, the combination of an overhead frame having depending spaced supports, hoisting mechanismcarried by the frame for hoisting a load between its supports and comprising four hoisting drums adjacent opposite corners of the frame work, hoisting cables cooperating with said drums, and devices carried by the frame for cooperation with a lift truck platform and adapted to be automatically locked by the upward thrust of said platform for enabling the latter to lift said frame.

7 In a portable crane, the combination of a frame work comprising legs at opposite sides forming an unobstructed passageway therebetween, an upper frame connecting the upper portions of said legs, hoisting mechanism carried by the frame work for lifting or lowering a load beneath said frame, devices carried by the legs for enabling a lift truck to lift and transport the crane, and means for supporting said devices to permit movement thereof from between the side legs into position to overlie the truck.

8. In a portable crane, the combination of a frame work comprising legs at opposite sides forming an unobstructed passageway therebetween, an upper frame connecting the upper portions of said legs, hoisting mechanism carried by the frame work for lifting or lowering a load beneath said frame, devices carried by the legs for enabling a lift truck to lift and transport the crane, means operative by the lifting action of the truck for locking said devices, and means for supporting said devices to permit movement thereof from between the side legs into position to overlie the truck.

9. In a portable crane, the combination of a framework, comprising legs at opposite sides and an upper frame connecting the upper portions of said legs, hoisting mechanism carried by the framework for lifting or lowering a load beneath said frame, and devices carried at the lower portions of said legs and projecting into position to be engaged by a lift truck for transporting the crane.

10. In a portable crane, the combination of a frame work adapted to be carried through the doorway of a freight car and comprising legs at opposite sides forming an unobstructed passageway therebetween, an upper frame connecting" the upper portions of said legs, hoisting mechanism carried by the frame work for lifting or lowering a load beneath said frame, devices carried by the legs for enabling the crane to be lifted and transported, and means for supporting said devices to permit movement thereof from be tween the side legs into position to project laterally from the legs.

11. In a portable crane, the combination of a frame work having side supports spaced to structed permit a lift truck platform to be introduced therebetween, an overhead hoist mechanism operative between the side supports and comprising a pair of parallel drum shafts, a pair of hoisting drums carried by each shaft, a shaft located centrally between said pairs of shafts in substantially the same horizontal plane and parallel thereto, and means for operating each ofsaid drum shafts from said central shaft.

12. in a portable crane the combination of side supports spaced to provide an unobstructed guideway therebetwee'n, a top frame work connecting said supports, an electric motor mounted on the frame work, a pair of parallel drum shafts at opposite sides of the motor, a hoisting drum on each shaft and having a hoisting cable depending between the supports, and a shaft equidistant between said drum shafts in substantially the same horizontal plane and operatively connected to the motor and the drum shafts.

13. In a, portable crane the combination of side supports spaced to provide an unobstructed guideway therebetween, a top frame work connecting said supports, an electric motor mounted on the frame Work, a pair of parallel drum shafts at opposite sides of themotor, a hoisting drum on each shaft and having a hoisting cable depending between the supports, a shaft equidistant be tween said drum shafts in substantially the same horizontal plane and operatively connected to the motor and the drum shafts, and means for operating said motor from an electric truck. V

14. In a portable crane the combination of side supports spaced to provide an unobideway therebetween, a top frame wogi f connecting said supports, an electric motor mounted on the frame work. a pair of parallel drum shafts at opposite sides of the motor, a hoisting drum on each shaft and havinga hoisting cable depending between the supports, a shaft equidistant between said drum shafts and opertaively connected to the motor and the drum shafts, sheave blocks carried by said cables, and vertical guideways within the width of said supports for said sheave blocks.

15. In a portable crane the combination of side su ports spaced to provide an unobstructe guideway therebetween, an arch frame work connecting said supports, an electric motor mounted on said frame work, three parallel shafts mounted on the frame work in substantially the same horizontal plane, mechanism for driving the intermedi ate shaft from the motor, mechanism for driv- 'ing each of the outer shafts from said intermediate shaft, and hoisting mechanism op-' erated by each of the outer shafts.

16-. In a portable crane thecombination ,of side supports spaced to provide an unobstructed guideway therebetween, an arch frame work connecting said supports, an electric motor mounted on the frame Work, three parallel shafts mounted on the frame work, the outer shafts being substantially equidistant from the intermediate shaft, mechanism for driving the intermediate shaft from the motor, mechanism for driving each of the outer shafts from said intermediate shaft, hoisting mechanism operated by each of the outer shafts and including a cable Wound drum and sheave block, and a vertical guideway within the {width of a support for said block. 1

17. In a portable crane the combination of an arched frame having depending side supports spaced to privide an unobstructed hoisting bay, a pair of cross shafts at opposite ends of the frame work extending transversely above said bay, power driven mecha nism mounted above said bay intermediate said cross shafts, hoisting drums mounted adjacent opposite ends of each shaft, a sheave block operated from each drum, and means mounted on each shaft intermediate the drums for driving said shafts from said power driven mechanism.

18. In a portable crane the combination of an arched frame having depending side supports spaced to provide an unobstructed hoisting bay, a pair of cross shafts at opposite ends of the frame work extending transversely above said bay, hoisting drums mounted adjacent opposite ends of each shaft, a sheave-block operated from each drum, and means for driving said shafts, said supports having formed within their width vertical guideways for said sheave blocks.

19. In a portable cranethe combination of an arched framelhaving vertical legs comprising structural members spaced to provide a crane bay therebetween, and hoisting mechanism carried by the frame and including sheave adapted to be raised and said sheave supporting means to project into the channelways.

21. In a portable crane the combination of an upper transverse frame having a pair of spaced depending legs at opposite sides, each leg comprising a pair of vertical angle bars with the outer flanges parallel and with inwardly extending flanges spaced to provide a vertical guideway therebetween, hoisting drums carried by the frame above said guideways, and sheave blocks operated from the drums and capable of travelling in said guideways.

22. In a portable crane the combination of an upper transverse frame having a pair of spaced depending legs at opposite sides, each leg comprising a pair of vertical angle bars with the outer flanges parallel and with inwardly extending flanges spaced to provide a vertical guideway therebetween, hoisting drums carried by the frame above said guideways, sheave blocks operated from the drums and capable of travelling in said guideways, and means carried by said legs and adapted to be projected inwardly to overlie the lift platform of a truck for enabling the truck to lift the crane.

23. In a portable stack lifter the combination of an arched frame comprising side supports spaced to permit. the introduction of a lift truck platform therebetween, hoisting mechanism carried by the frame and including hoisting devices depending between said supports, each of said supports having a guideway formed within its width to permif one of said hoisting devices to travel therein at predetermined times, and lifting member; adapted to extend over the lift truck platform for enabling the latter when elevated to lift the crane.

2t. In a portable crane having hoisting mechanism, the combination of a portable arched frame work having at opposite sides vertical pairs of legs spaced transversely to provide a combined lift truck guideway and hoisting bay, a longitudinal bar connecting .he legs of each pair at each side of the hoisting bay, and a pair of swinging dogs supported between each of said side pairs of legs. said dogs being adapted to be swung inwardly to overlie the lift truck or to be swung outwardly to rest on said bar.

25. In a portable crane having hoisting mechanism, the combination of an arched frame having at opposite sides vertical pairs of legs, a longitudinal bar connecting each side pair of legs, a pair of swinging vertically slidable dogs supported between each of said side pairs of legs, said dogs being adapted to be swung inwardly or to be swung outwardly in the plane of said bar, and means for locking said dogs against vertical sliding movement.

26. In a portable crane, in combinatioman arched frame, hoisting mechanism carried by the frame for lifting or lowering a load within the frame, said frame having depending supports for independently supporting the frame when operating the hoisting mechanism, and means movably carried by thesupports and adapted to cooperate with a lift truck platform when introduced between the supports for enabling the truck to transport said crane.

27. In a portable crane, in combination, an arched frame, hoisting mechanism carried by the frame for lifting or lowering a load within the frame, said frame having depending supports for independently supporting the frame when operating the hoisting mechanism, members adapted to overlie a lift truck platform when introduced between the supports and to engage the truck platform when elevated, and means for maintaining said members in fixed position with respect to the frame against the upward lift of the truck platform and constructed to permit said members to be moved out of position between the supports.

28. In a portable crane, in combination, an arched frame, hoisting mechanism carried by the frame, said frame having depending supports for independently supporting the crane in operative position, and constructed to permit a truck platform to be introduced therebetween, means adapted to be moved into position to overlie the truck platform in such position for permitting the crane to be elevated and transported by the truck, and means for supporting said means on the frame in fixed position against the upward lift of the truck platform.-

29. The combination with a lift truck hav-- permit introduction of the lift platform between the leg structures, members adapted to project into the crane bay in position to overlie the truck platform and permit the latter to lift and transport the crane, and means carried by each leg structure for supporting said members in fixed vertical position against the upward-thrust of the truck platform. said members being removable from said position within the crane bay.

30. In a portable crane, in combination, an arched frame having hoisting mechanism and comprising depending leg supports for inde pendently supporting the crane in operating position, said leg supports being spaced tr. provide a crane bay and to permit a lift truck platform to be introduced therebetwesn, brackets secured to the frame adjacent the lower ends of said supports, and members adapted to project into the crane bay to overlie the truclrplatform and supported by said brackets against the upward thrust of the truck platform to enable the crane to be lifted and transported by the truck, said members being movable out of position -within the crane bay. 1

31. In a portable crane, the combination of an overhead frame having depending spaced supports providing a bay thcrebetween and into which a lift platform of a truck may be moved, mechanism carried by the frame for lifting or supporting a load between the supports, and means disposed between said supports and adapted to cooperate with a lift truck lifting mechanism when the truck is disposed between said supports for enabling the truck to lift and carry the crane, said means being adapted to provide at least threev points of supporting contact whereby to afford a stable support. 32. In a portable crane, the combination of an overhead frame having depending spaced supports providing a bay therebetween 'and into which a lift platform of a truck may be moved, mechanism carried by the frame for lifting or supporting a load between the supports, and means disposed between said supports adapted to cooperate with a lift truck lifting mechanism when the truck is disposed between said supports for enabling the truck to lift and carry the crane, said means being adapted to provide a stable support and being adjustable without disturbing the load supporting mechanism.

33. In a portable crane, an overhead frame 5 having depending spaced supports forming a bay into which a lift truck may be moved, mechanism carried by the frame for lifting or supportinga load between the supports, and means on the frame between said supports adapted to cooperate with the lift truck when the latter is introduced between said supports for enabling the truck to lift and carry the crane, said means being adjustable without disturbing the load supporting mecha- 3 nism.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

ROBERT T. ROMINE. 

